Halit Yukay’s Body Recovered from the Sea

Bahar O.

The body of Mazu Yacht's founder Halit Yukay, who set sail from Yalova to Bozcaada with his boat Graywolf, has been recovered from the sea after nearly a month-long search.

Yukay had departed Yalova on August 4. His wrecked boat was later discovered off the coast of Erdek, Balıkesir on Marmara Sea, prompting an extensive search operation.

According to reports, his body was found at a depth of 68 meters. Turkish Navy ships TCG Işın and TCG Alemdar took part in the operation because at this depth, the pressure is nearly eight times greater than at the surface, which compresses gases inside the body and prevents it from floating up. The cold, oxygen-poor environment also slows down decomposition, meaning the body remains preserved longer but is extremely fragile during recovery.

First, an unmanned underwater vehicle (ROV) — a remotely operated robot with cameras and lights — was deployed to confirm the location of the body.
After confirmation, navy divers descended using a specially designed elevator system, a platform lowered by cables that enables safe movement of divers and the recovery of remains from such depths without causing damage. The body was then transported to Bandırma Port and later sent to the Bursa Forensic Medical Institute for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigators suspect that Yukay died when the dry cargo ship Arel 7 collided with his vessel. During the investigation, the ship’s captain was arrested. Evidence including scratch marks on the bow of the cargo ship, paint residue matching Yukay’s boat, and navigation records has been added to the case file. The boat’s navigation device was also sent abroad for further technical examination.